Gene Simmons to People Suffering from Depression and Substance Abuse: Go Kill Yourselves

KISS bass player Gene Simmons has recently fueled considerable outrage following his statement that people suffering from depression and drug addiction should "kill themselves".

In his interview with the Huffington Post last July 31, the 64-year-old rock star claimed that he could not get over "anybody who's a drug addict and has a dark cloud over their heads and sees themselves as a victim."

Simmons further added how those dealing with substance abuse often find fault in a "harsh" world. The legendary bass player cited his mother's experiences in a Nazi camp as the reason why he could not get along well with such mentally ill people.

"My mother was in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany. I don't want to hear f*** all about 'the world as a harsh place'," Simmons said. "She gets up every day, smells the roses, and loves life."

He compared these with much younger people going through drug addiction and mental health issues, and made an appalling statement: "And for a putz, 20-year-old kid to say, 'I'm depressed, I live in Seattle.' F*** you, then kill yourself."

However, Simmons did not make any comment when asked whether he would give the same advice to original KISS drummer Peter Criss who was photographed putting a gun in his mouth for his autobiography "Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss" in 2012.

Following the rock and roll bassist's comments was a huge outrage from fans and fellow musicians alike.

Even Nikki Sixx, bass player of heavy metal band Motley Crue, took to Twitter and expressed his sentiments.

"I wonder if @genesimmons would still say how depressed people or addicts should kill themselves if it happened to his wife or kids?" asked the musician.

Sixx went on to say that he himself battled depression and substance abuse but eventually found the path to recovery. He further asked, "Would you be happy if I killed myself instead? Also my 4 kids wouldn't been born."